Borage seed oil

Borage seed oil is a nutritional supplement which is rich in essential fatty acids that can regulate the body’s immune system and fight joint inflammation. The available evidence suggests that borage seed oil may improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

What is it?

Borage seed oil is made from the seeds of the borage plants. Borage is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region but grown in other countries, including the UK. You can buy it over the counter from pharmacies and health food shops in the form of capsules or bottled oil.

How does it work?

Borage seed oil contains very high levels of two types of polyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acids, 20–26% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linolenic acid (LA, which your body converts to GLA).
GLA is an essential fatty acid that’s important for maintaining a joint’s cell structure and function. Your body converts it into hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which regulate your immune system and fight joint inflammation. GLA might also suppress inflammatory responses by directly acting on some inflammatory cells.

Several factors can interfere with your body’s production of GLA from LA, including:

ageing

dietary deficiencies

viral infections

some diseases.

Other oils generally used in normal diet (like sunflower oil) only contain LA. Borage seed oil is the richest source of pure GLA. It also contains tannic, oleic and palmetic acid.

Is it safe?

Reported side-effects of borage seed oil include:

nausea

indigestion

headaches

rashes.

It also contains small amounts of some liver toxins, but you can get preparations that are free of these toxins.

No studies to assess the safety of borage seed oil in people with arthritis and related conditions appear to have been done, but studies on other GLA-rich oils suggest that they’re relatively safe with no serious side-effects.

The effects borage seed oil has on drugs haven’t been well studied, but you should be cautious if you take anti-inflammatory drugs (for example cortisone) and anticoagulants because interactions are possible. Some sedatives and medications for hypertension can dampen down borage seed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties.

No trials have been done to find out the best dosage for arthritis-related conditions. Early studies have found that high doses of GLA (more than 1 g a day) are needed to partly ease symptoms.

Borage seed oil trials for rheumatoid arthritis

A summary of the scientific evidence for the use of borage seed oil in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Read more

For more information, go to www.arthritisresearchuk.org.Arthritis Research UK fund research into the cause, treatment and cure of arthritis. You can support Arthritis Research UK by volunteering, donating or visiting our shops.